I grew up with a garden. My father always grew some tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and green beans. Both of my grandfathers (maternal and paternal) grew backyard gardens, too.
I learned at a young age that horse manure was gold and if you wanted to yield a fruitful garden the more shit, the better.
Showing posts with label real. Show all posts
Showing posts with label real. Show all posts
Monday, April 20, 2015
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Wednesday, April 8, 2015
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Real Food: Chicken Something
We are in the midst of our 2nd Advocare 24 Day Challenge. The first 10 days is a "cleanse" so the idea is to not eat anything processed.
You eat whole food meals. Fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and complex carbohydrates.
That means eliminating particular foods (but not limited to):
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
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The Truth about Honesty
Under the thumbnail of my picture for this blog I have a quote:
I believe that; with every ounce of my being.
By nature I'm a truth seeker. I don't believe the paint is wet, I don't believe shit stinks, I don't believe it's raining... these are things I have to find out for myself. Plus a multitude of other less trivial things that occur in my life.
It's not that I don't trust people - I just need to know I've gotten the full truth so I can validate the statement. I could save myself some time if I believed people at their word.
"Even if you sugarcoat shit... it's still shit"
I believe that; with every ounce of my being.
By nature I'm a truth seeker. I don't believe the paint is wet, I don't believe shit stinks, I don't believe it's raining... these are things I have to find out for myself. Plus a multitude of other less trivial things that occur in my life.
It's not that I don't trust people - I just need to know I've gotten the full truth so I can validate the statement. I could save myself some time if I believed people at their word.
Monday, March 30, 2015
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It's a Lifestyle: 24 Day Challenge - Part I
We are about to start our 2nd Advocare 24 Day Challenge. Aboy and I are already getting into mental readiness mode.
The challenge starts on April 6th.
For the first 10 days, we will do the cleanse portion. It's not a violent or volatile type cleanse... it's more of a gentle scrubbing of the flora in our digestive track. This helps prepare the body for the "Max" phase which is high in nutritional intake and absorption.
The challenge starts on April 6th.
For the first 10 days, we will do the cleanse portion. It's not a violent or volatile type cleanse... it's more of a gentle scrubbing of the flora in our digestive track. This helps prepare the body for the "Max" phase which is high in nutritional intake and absorption.
Friday, March 13, 2015
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It's a Lifestyle: Is that Bacon?
If you've been following along, you know that we did the Advocare 24 Day Challenge that began on January 7th.
Basically what the challenge does is it acts as a "Lifestyle Adjustment Tool".
IT IS NOT A DIET. Like, I can't reiterate that enough. We are NOT ON A DIET.
Change is derived from the word chaLLEnge (in Terri-Town) and we took the 24 Day Challenge to start the path for a lifestyle change. The food, tools and supplements that you use during the challenge prepare you for living a healthier lifestyle; to prepare your body to accept the nutrients you receive from real food. There are supplements to help keep you on the path. Think of them as tools to help build your foundation.
Make sense?
We were almost 2 weeks into the challenge. Literally the no dairy, no unhealthy fats, and definitely no bacon part of the challenge. We were on our Saturday shopping trip to Trader Joe's and then to Whole Foods to pick up our weekly food supplies.
Trader Joe's went great. We picked up our fresh fruits and vegetables. Aboy picked up organic coconut water and some healthy chips and other things for the road. I like their Brown Rice Pasta selection and also picked up some frozen fish.
On to Whole Foods.
So, before I take you through that experience... let me set the stage a little clearer. We usually go on our shopping adventure right after we leave the gym. We have a piece of fruit or a healthy snack before shopping so we don't go in the store "starved"... and then have a nice lunch when we get back from shopping.
Well, it was a Saturday morning and Whole Foods parking lot was jam packed. The Whole Foods we go to has an extensive deli type setting with seating and food to order. We walked in and were overcome by the smell of bacon. Like yummy, fuck the challenge - smell of bacon!! And the closer we walked to the restaurant area - the stronger the smell.
We needed some coconut milk and yogurt - so, that brought us to the perimeter of the restaurant area.
I wish I could show you the look on Aboy's face as we got closer to the smells perpetuating through the air. I have to admit - it was very enticing!
We could have succumbed to the pressure, but to that point had really stuck to meal plan and decided once we got through with the challenge we could have some bacon as a treat.
So, we won that challenge!
In the world of nutrition and daily eating, bacon will be our treat. It tastes great but offers very little in the way of nutritional value.
North Carolina is famous for it's bacon. We will always eat bacon.
We just choose to use it as a treat and not a staple in our meal plan.
Basically what the challenge does is it acts as a "Lifestyle Adjustment Tool".
IT IS NOT A DIET. Like, I can't reiterate that enough. We are NOT ON A DIET.
Change is derived from the word chaLLEnge (in Terri-Town) and we took the 24 Day Challenge to start the path for a lifestyle change. The food, tools and supplements that you use during the challenge prepare you for living a healthier lifestyle; to prepare your body to accept the nutrients you receive from real food. There are supplements to help keep you on the path. Think of them as tools to help build your foundation.
Make sense?
++++++
We were almost 2 weeks into the challenge. Literally the no dairy, no unhealthy fats, and definitely no bacon part of the challenge. We were on our Saturday shopping trip to Trader Joe's and then to Whole Foods to pick up our weekly food supplies.
Trader Joe's went great. We picked up our fresh fruits and vegetables. Aboy picked up organic coconut water and some healthy chips and other things for the road. I like their Brown Rice Pasta selection and also picked up some frozen fish.
On to Whole Foods.
So, before I take you through that experience... let me set the stage a little clearer. We usually go on our shopping adventure right after we leave the gym. We have a piece of fruit or a healthy snack before shopping so we don't go in the store "starved"... and then have a nice lunch when we get back from shopping.
Well, it was a Saturday morning and Whole Foods parking lot was jam packed. The Whole Foods we go to has an extensive deli type setting with seating and food to order. We walked in and were overcome by the smell of bacon. Like yummy, fuck the challenge - smell of bacon!! And the closer we walked to the restaurant area - the stronger the smell.
We needed some coconut milk and yogurt - so, that brought us to the perimeter of the restaurant area.
I wish I could show you the look on Aboy's face as we got closer to the smells perpetuating through the air. I have to admit - it was very enticing!
We could have succumbed to the pressure, but to that point had really stuck to meal plan and decided once we got through with the challenge we could have some bacon as a treat.
So, we won that challenge!
++++++
In the world of nutrition and daily eating, bacon will be our treat. It tastes great but offers very little in the way of nutritional value.
North Carolina is famous for it's bacon. We will always eat bacon.
We just choose to use it as a treat and not a staple in our meal plan.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
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Journal Entry: Zumba - Aye Carumba!
Some of yous may have forgotten (or maybe yous didn't even know)... I took dance lessons with Ms. Kay and Mrs. Cousins from Kindergarten until 9th grade. My specialty was Tap Dancing and then later, I started doing Tap, Ballet and tried Toe Dancing, too.
I'm also married to a black man. That means there is a lot of pressure on me to show my rhythmic side. Every major family event (BBQ's, Reunions, etc...) includes some form of music and alcohol, which we all know = get up and dance!
My hey-day of the club scene was in the 80's. We did a lot of drinking and a lot of dancing in the 80's. I enjoyed every bit of it. We had great dance music and a bevvy of styles to choose from.
And here we are today.
Now, I Zumba.
They offer Zumba classes at the YMCA I go to. I mostly make the Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday classes because of my work schedule. It's a lot of fun and it's really helping me with my general overall body toning.
I laugh a lot. I make up my own moves when they do shit I physically can't do (remember the trick hip?). I've made some "gym friends". It's a great time. I guess you could call it the modern day club scene for middle-aged women!
The other night, we had a substitute instructor.
Have you ever watched the movie "Bring it on"? Basically, it's about 2 cheerleading squads. One squad has been stealing the other's routine for years and once it has been brought to the attention of the Captain that their routine was stolen, she goes out and hires a consultant to help them construct a new routine.
It's a Teeny-Bopper type movie - but, if you're bored, it's cute.
So anyways, the consultant tells them to use Spirit Fingers throughout the entire routine and SMILE!
The squad gets to Nationals and realizes this consultant has been instructing other squads with the same exact routine.
I told you that to tell you this.....
I mentioned the other night we had a substitute instructor. I swear on all things holy - she is the Consultant from Bring it On.
I am compelled throughout the entire Zumba work out to use my spirit fingers. None of her routines flow - so we all look like we're doing our own thing. She smiles and stares into space as if she's making the shit up as she goes along.
I'm not being mean because it is a great class in the fact there is a lot of jumping around, my heart rate stays elevated and I sweat... but I cannot for the life of me get the Spirit Fingers image out of my head!
I really wish I could have worn a body camera. Everyone at different points ended up doing what came natural.
On a serious note - if you are looking for a way to get out of the house, move your body and make new friends - find a Zumba class. You don't necessarily need rhythm - you just have to have a good sense of humor!
And my Latino/a friends and family will be proud of how I hold us down with my Merenque, Salsa, Rumba and Mambo moves!!!
I'm also married to a black man. That means there is a lot of pressure on me to show my rhythmic side. Every major family event (BBQ's, Reunions, etc...) includes some form of music and alcohol, which we all know = get up and dance!
My hey-day of the club scene was in the 80's. We did a lot of drinking and a lot of dancing in the 80's. I enjoyed every bit of it. We had great dance music and a bevvy of styles to choose from.
And here we are today.
Now, I Zumba.
They offer Zumba classes at the YMCA I go to. I mostly make the Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday classes because of my work schedule. It's a lot of fun and it's really helping me with my general overall body toning.
I laugh a lot. I make up my own moves when they do shit I physically can't do (remember the trick hip?). I've made some "gym friends". It's a great time. I guess you could call it the modern day club scene for middle-aged women!
******
The other night, we had a substitute instructor.
Have you ever watched the movie "Bring it on"? Basically, it's about 2 cheerleading squads. One squad has been stealing the other's routine for years and once it has been brought to the attention of the Captain that their routine was stolen, she goes out and hires a consultant to help them construct a new routine.
It's a Teeny-Bopper type movie - but, if you're bored, it's cute.
So anyways, the consultant tells them to use Spirit Fingers throughout the entire routine and SMILE!
The squad gets to Nationals and realizes this consultant has been instructing other squads with the same exact routine.
I told you that to tell you this.....
I mentioned the other night we had a substitute instructor. I swear on all things holy - she is the Consultant from Bring it On.
I am compelled throughout the entire Zumba work out to use my spirit fingers. None of her routines flow - so we all look like we're doing our own thing. She smiles and stares into space as if she's making the shit up as she goes along.
I just do a lot of this:
I'm not being mean because it is a great class in the fact there is a lot of jumping around, my heart rate stays elevated and I sweat... but I cannot for the life of me get the Spirit Fingers image out of my head!
I really wish I could have worn a body camera. Everyone at different points ended up doing what came natural.
*****
On a serious note - if you are looking for a way to get out of the house, move your body and make new friends - find a Zumba class. You don't necessarily need rhythm - you just have to have a good sense of humor!
And my Latino/a friends and family will be proud of how I hold us down with my Merenque, Salsa, Rumba and Mambo moves!!!
Andale, Andale! Arriba, Arriba!
Friday, February 20, 2015
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It's a lifestyle: What's for lunch?
I have been blessed with "big bones" (that's what Nan Guy used to say)... in actuality - I've been heavy my entire life.
What you don't know is, I have invested 49 years of investigative research to provide you with the following useful information.
Skinny people eat all day long.
Yup, no bullshit. They just snack on shit all day long... WHAT they eat is different than what fat people eat.
That's the difference.
Instead of picking up a twinkie, they eat some carrots or almonds.
Simple, right?
Understanding that has changed our grocery purchasing habits (again) and approach to eating. If it doesn't come into the house, I'm not as likely to make a bad choice when I get hungry.
Another thing yous don't really know about me, I have an inner Libertarian that rears it's head from time to time. I don't want anyone telling me what / where / how to do shit. I definitely don't want a doctor or the government telling me what I can eat, that I have to take medicine that is going to make me sicker than the actual disease and I don't want anyone in my personal business.
So, at this point of my life - I have decided that my health is in jeopardy, which is something I have complete control of. I choose what goes in my mouth. I choose how much time I commit to exercise. I can reverse many of the things that I have brought on myself by making better choices.
If I can do it, ANYONE can do it!
There is no willpower involved. This is about control.
Just because I'm an adult, I don't always make adult choices about what goes in my mouth. The consequences are too great for me to continue along that path.
Besides, I have so many other aspects of my life under control - this is really one of the only pieces left for me to come full circle in my own universe. It is a journey, after all - I'm just at that point of my journey that I want to see my grandkids have grandkids.
*****
Since Aboy and I have started Advocare it has helped us wrangle in some of the demons of bad eating and manage our sugar, fat and caffeine addictions. And believe me WE were addicted. No doubt about it! We chose Advocare because we could eat real food (that is so important to both of us), not count points and not microwave pre-packaged meals (we threw out our microwave last year).
I did a lot of research and found that one of the key ways to help change the way we eat was through preparation.
Every video I watched, every blog I read... everyone said that preparation was the absolute best way to guarantee success. The products just help with supplementing nutritional deficiencies, energy and hunger control.
Whatever they do - they are really helping. I am making it to the gym almost daily, I don't crave anything and I very rarely have the urge to go off meal plan.
So, each week - we take a few hours on the day before Aboy is set to go back out and just cook a week's worth of food. I bake yams and potatoes, make rice, bake chicken and fish... then we portion it off so it's easy to put a meal together.
It really removes the excuses to eat crap. Since the food is pre-cooked and frozen, it's easily heated up.
It's healthier because we control the seasoning. There are no preservatives. It's pre-portioned, so the risk of over eating is drastically reduced.
We are eating more. THAT is huge. We eat the right things, at the right time = it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle.
*****
If you read my blog the other day, you understand my frequent meal choices are influenced by Mexican Recipes. They're high in nutrition and low in calories.
Today's lunch has become comfort food for me. I need 2 hands to eat it, it's very filling and it brings in all the things I need for a complete meal.
Also, if you've seen some of my Instagram or Facebook picture posts... you know how much I love a snack scrap for lunch (you have to click the link to understand that joke).
What made it GREAT was the ingredients!
I used a tortilla we picked up the other day at Trader Joe's
Like I mentioned - we pre-cook the chicken and freeze it. I have a scale (to keep me honest) and I just throw the chicken into the oven for 10 minutes to warm it up.
I ALWAYS add Red Wine Vinegar. Pompeian is my fav!!! It makes me "ACK" (that's a noise I make if it hits the back of my throat with nothing coating it)... but, it has great zing and flavor!
I also add homemade guacamole and some roasted red peppers or sun dried tomatoes. Aboy puts a small garden on his (he is a big guy)...
Like I said... you need 2 hands to eat it. It's very filling, hits all the taste buds and you won't think about eating again for a few hours!
Thursday, February 12, 2015
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It's a lifestyle: When in doubt, go Mexican
Aboy and I have enjoyed meals from all over the country. Most of them, right on Long Island or in the City because of the smorgasbord of people that have taken up residence in the area and the different cuisine's they've brought with them.
One thing that Long Island never really had a lot of was authentic Mexican food. There is a large population of Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, El Salvadorians and Guatemalans... not a lot of Mexicans. You can find Bodegas that serve food all over the tri-town area (Bay Shore, Brentwood, CI)... but, the food has a Caribbean flair. It's a lot more sofrito and recaito based recipes.
That all changed for us when we lived in Texas, though! Taco stands on every corner! They even sold tacos out of the gas stations! On the side of the road, Taco buffets, Tex-Mex... fuhgetaboutit!
Needless to say we quickly acquired a taste for authentic Mexican food and barring refried beans and tamales... it's pretty good!
We like fresh food. Mexicans cook with a lot of vegetables. Tomatoes, peppers, onions, squash, mushrooms... just a lot of healthy stuff if you leave off the cheese and sour cream.
So, if you're watching what you eat but you need a filling "comfort food" without the guilt and lots of nutrients... go Mexican!
My new favorite "mayo" is guacamole!
Instead of having a sandwich slathered with mayonnaise, I put some guac on a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, boneless chicken and some red wine vinegar (for zing)... Oh Emm GEE!!! Total calories = less than 300 for something you need 2 hands to hold!
My advice is if you are trying to eat healthier - give authentic Mexican a try!!
Click on the link for a Guacamole Recipe . It is so quick and easy to make your own. Homemade tastes so much better, anyway!!
One thing that Long Island never really had a lot of was authentic Mexican food. There is a large population of Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, El Salvadorians and Guatemalans... not a lot of Mexicans. You can find Bodegas that serve food all over the tri-town area (Bay Shore, Brentwood, CI)... but, the food has a Caribbean flair. It's a lot more sofrito and recaito based recipes.
That all changed for us when we lived in Texas, though! Taco stands on every corner! They even sold tacos out of the gas stations! On the side of the road, Taco buffets, Tex-Mex... fuhgetaboutit!
Needless to say we quickly acquired a taste for authentic Mexican food and barring refried beans and tamales... it's pretty good!
We like fresh food. Mexicans cook with a lot of vegetables. Tomatoes, peppers, onions, squash, mushrooms... just a lot of healthy stuff if you leave off the cheese and sour cream.
So, if you're watching what you eat but you need a filling "comfort food" without the guilt and lots of nutrients... go Mexican!
*****
My new favorite "mayo" is guacamole!
Instead of having a sandwich slathered with mayonnaise, I put some guac on a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, boneless chicken and some red wine vinegar (for zing)... Oh Emm GEE!!! Total calories = less than 300 for something you need 2 hands to hold!
My advice is if you are trying to eat healthier - give authentic Mexican a try!!
Click on the link for a Guacamole Recipe . It is so quick and easy to make your own. Homemade tastes so much better, anyway!!
Thursday, January 29, 2015
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Look what Frank (Shady) dragged in!
I'm in the midst of my morning rituals, the dogs wanted to go outside a second time. I let them out and got back to my normal routine.
Ed started barking at the door, he was ready to come in. Weeshy was sitting there with him so I had to call Frank to come in the house.
Frank came barreling in (as usual) and Weeshy started chasing him around the living room. He jumped on my chair and I could see something hanging out of his mouth... a very long tail!
OMG! OMG! OMG!
Naturally, I started screaming as that is my instinctive reaction to rodents and snakes. I scared the shit out of Frank and he dropped it. It landed on the floor by my side of the sofa. Weeshy tried to grab it - so between the screams, I chased the dogs away.
Now, Nuisance got a wiff of it and wanted to get it too.
Frank was scared shitless (from the screams), so he ran in my office. Weeshy was perched on Aboy's side of the sofa and I had to pick up Nuisance because he went into predator mode.
First thought (after all that)... how the fuck am I supposed to get this nasty shit out of here?
Conversation with myself:
I am still holding Nuisance. Frank is still in freaked-out mode in my office and I chased Weeshy away. I walked outside to get a shovel (Nuisance under my arm), come back in the house and Weeshy has the fucking thing on my side of the sofa!
Instincts kick in, so I start screaming again.
Weeshy got freaked out and ran.
I knocked the nasty fucker on the floor with the shovel (Nuisance is still under my arm). I then did a quick rendition of the heebie-jeebie dance.
I put Nuisance down and scooped up the mouse, got it outside and put it in the trash (so no one else gets the temptation to bring it back inside).
I sprayed everything within a 10 foot radius with disinfectant.
I guess after breakfast I'll put on my hazard gear and sanitize the entire living area because of the contamination!
This can't possibly be what life on a farm is supposed to be like!
Ed started barking at the door, he was ready to come in. Weeshy was sitting there with him so I had to call Frank to come in the house.
Frank came barreling in (as usual) and Weeshy started chasing him around the living room. He jumped on my chair and I could see something hanging out of his mouth... a very long tail!
OMG! OMG! OMG!
Naturally, I started screaming as that is my instinctive reaction to rodents and snakes. I scared the shit out of Frank and he dropped it. It landed on the floor by my side of the sofa. Weeshy tried to grab it - so between the screams, I chased the dogs away.
Now, Nuisance got a wiff of it and wanted to get it too.
Frank was scared shitless (from the screams), so he ran in my office. Weeshy was perched on Aboy's side of the sofa and I had to pick up Nuisance because he went into predator mode.
First thought (after all that)... how the fuck am I supposed to get this nasty shit out of here?
Conversation with myself:
"You can pick it up with a C-Town Bag... EWWW!!!"
"Get a shovel!... Yeah, Yeah - a shovel!"
I am still holding Nuisance. Frank is still in freaked-out mode in my office and I chased Weeshy away. I walked outside to get a shovel (Nuisance under my arm), come back in the house and Weeshy has the fucking thing on my side of the sofa!
Instincts kick in, so I start screaming again.
Weeshy got freaked out and ran.
I knocked the nasty fucker on the floor with the shovel (Nuisance is still under my arm). I then did a quick rendition of the heebie-jeebie dance.
I put Nuisance down and scooped up the mouse, got it outside and put it in the trash (so no one else gets the temptation to bring it back inside).
I sprayed everything within a 10 foot radius with disinfectant.
I guess after breakfast I'll put on my hazard gear and sanitize the entire living area because of the contamination!
This can't possibly be what life on a farm is supposed to be like!
Saturday, January 24, 2015
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New Year, New Me...
2014 will go down as a "ehh" type of year. I had many accomplishments, but there were also some disappointments that I should have had better control of.
2015 is going to be different, by design.
I think it's safe to say through adulthood, I've approached life as a journey. I hold on to lessons and try to get better. I really, truly aspire to be a better person today than I was yesterday - everyday of my life.
I also try to lead by example... I'm not really (and never really have been) a person that preaches "Do as I say, not as I do". It was a lesson I learned from childhood from simple displays of behavior from my parents. They would tell me not to do one thing, but were doing the exact things they instructed me not to do. It sends the wrong message and develops into trust issues and lack of respect. Trust and respect are very important to me.
So, in saying all that - I am going to embrace 2015.
I have some standing goals, that most of the time I do achieve. I renew them from year to year.
Then I have my variable goals that change from year to year (some samples would be):
These are usually a little harder to achieve because:
1. They take you out of your comfort zone
2. Circumstances may not always be ideal to achieve them
3. Life happens
For 2015, along with my year to year standing "goals"... this year I've got a lengthy list of little goals that interlock with each other.
1. Manage my time & schedule more effectively. My career is very demanding and at times stressful. Although I work from home - I found in this past year, I was becoming a slave to my desk. I really had very little time or energy to do things for myself that I needed or just enjoyed doing. That will not happen in 2015.
2. Make time for me. This falls right into my first goal. I have committed to not working more than 10 hours in a day. I know there will be exceptions to my 10 hour rule... but for 2015 they will be exception, unlike 2014 where it was the rule.
3. 50 pounds by 50 years. I have been working on this since I was 47 and next year I will be 50. I have lost a few pounds over the past few years - but my weight has fluctuated up 10 and down 10 since I started that journey. I have come to the realization that I am venturing into middle age. I want to watch my grandkids have grandkids. This year I'm fully committed to losing it.
4. Build physical strength. This fits into #2 and #3 because 3 of the 5 things I have listed in #2 require a level of physical strength to perform the requirements of the tasks. As for the #3 part of it - why would I lose the weight and have flabby skin from the weight loss? It just makes sense to commit to this.
5. Take better care of my husband. So, these are not in any particular order because this would really be #1 on my list, but without achieving #1 through #4, I could not be any good at completing #5. Everyone knows how much we care for each other. As we enjoy the empty nest, I want to make sure as we journey through our golden years together - I make it as memorable and enjoyable as possible.
6. Cook and eat healthier. I am going to expand on my experimental recipes and try to eat a predominately plant-based diet. I love making my own breads and I am determined to accomplish consistent successful brown rice on the stove!
7. Eat out less. Last year I made a commitment that if I were to eat out - that I would eat at family owned establishments more often than corporate driven restaurants. I want to support our local economy and although I may pay a little extra to do so, it's worth it. I believe corporations are vital to our economy because they do provide jobs for many (me included) - but, living and buying local is helping someone that chose to live outside of that box. Most local businesses offer much healthier choices, anyway. It's something I enjoyed and I am going to continue for 2015.
8. Be more social. I work from home. Facebook is my social life. I am a social person. I need to get out more. Right now, the Y has become that outlet. I plan to build on that as I start to accumulate local friendships.
9. Blog more. Everyone has a story. I want to document mine. I am committing to at least 2 blog posts per month (this makes 1!!).
2015 is my year; because I said so.
2015 is going to be different, by design.
I think it's safe to say through adulthood, I've approached life as a journey. I hold on to lessons and try to get better. I really, truly aspire to be a better person today than I was yesterday - everyday of my life.
I also try to lead by example... I'm not really (and never really have been) a person that preaches "Do as I say, not as I do". It was a lesson I learned from childhood from simple displays of behavior from my parents. They would tell me not to do one thing, but were doing the exact things they instructed me not to do. It sends the wrong message and develops into trust issues and lack of respect. Trust and respect are very important to me.
So, in saying all that - I am going to embrace 2015.
++++++++++++++++++++
It's actually taken me a long time to put my thoughts into this and to get it "on paper"... I've been all over the place in setting my "goals" (not resolutions) for this year. I started thinking about what I wanted for 2015 in November of 2014. I didn't make frivolous or impulsive decisions about what I wanted to happen this year.I have some standing goals, that most of the time I do achieve. I renew them from year to year.
- Be more mindful of my words and actions
- Read at least 10 books this year (5 personal interest, 5 self-improvement)
- Learn a new skill
- Show appreciation professionally and personally
- Help others (write resumes for unemployed friends and family, donate time, share knowledge, etc...)
Then I have my variable goals that change from year to year (some samples would be):
- Say no to things I don't want to do (sometimes I really struggle with saying no to people)
- Straighten out some accumulated debt
- Lose weight
- Make healthier food choices
These are usually a little harder to achieve because:
1. They take you out of your comfort zone
2. Circumstances may not always be ideal to achieve them
3. Life happens
For 2015, along with my year to year standing "goals"... this year I've got a lengthy list of little goals that interlock with each other.
1. Manage my time & schedule more effectively. My career is very demanding and at times stressful. Although I work from home - I found in this past year, I was becoming a slave to my desk. I really had very little time or energy to do things for myself that I needed or just enjoyed doing. That will not happen in 2015.
2. Make time for me. This falls right into my first goal. I have committed to not working more than 10 hours in a day. I know there will be exceptions to my 10 hour rule... but for 2015 they will be exception, unlike 2014 where it was the rule.
- I signed up at the YMCA.
- Aboy bought me knitting needles, yarn and a sewing machine for Christmas - I am going to use them.
- I am going to have a bigger garden this year.
- I will be getting chickens.
- I am going to coupon at least once a week.
3. 50 pounds by 50 years. I have been working on this since I was 47 and next year I will be 50. I have lost a few pounds over the past few years - but my weight has fluctuated up 10 and down 10 since I started that journey. I have come to the realization that I am venturing into middle age. I want to watch my grandkids have grandkids. This year I'm fully committed to losing it.
4. Build physical strength. This fits into #2 and #3 because 3 of the 5 things I have listed in #2 require a level of physical strength to perform the requirements of the tasks. As for the #3 part of it - why would I lose the weight and have flabby skin from the weight loss? It just makes sense to commit to this.
5. Take better care of my husband. So, these are not in any particular order because this would really be #1 on my list, but without achieving #1 through #4, I could not be any good at completing #5. Everyone knows how much we care for each other. As we enjoy the empty nest, I want to make sure as we journey through our golden years together - I make it as memorable and enjoyable as possible.
6. Cook and eat healthier. I am going to expand on my experimental recipes and try to eat a predominately plant-based diet. I love making my own breads and I am determined to accomplish consistent successful brown rice on the stove!
7. Eat out less. Last year I made a commitment that if I were to eat out - that I would eat at family owned establishments more often than corporate driven restaurants. I want to support our local economy and although I may pay a little extra to do so, it's worth it. I believe corporations are vital to our economy because they do provide jobs for many (me included) - but, living and buying local is helping someone that chose to live outside of that box. Most local businesses offer much healthier choices, anyway. It's something I enjoyed and I am going to continue for 2015.
8. Be more social. I work from home. Facebook is my social life. I am a social person. I need to get out more. Right now, the Y has become that outlet. I plan to build on that as I start to accumulate local friendships.
9. Blog more. Everyone has a story. I want to document mine. I am committing to at least 2 blog posts per month (this makes 1!!).
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I've got some other personal goals that I am working on (not for public discussion)... they also fall within and interlock with what I have listed.2015 is my year; because I said so.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
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What comes natural
Writing has always been fun for me. Because I enjoy doing it, I’ve earned money, released stress and with a few letter writing campaigns, actually got the attention of a few political leaders and agencies. So, I guess it’s a gift. Putting words to paper and conveying a point. Not everyone can do it. Some people do better with verbal communication… I prefer to write because I can convey my point concisely and really paint a picture of what I want you to understand. Plus, my verbal communication is often interpreted as blunt. Not that blunt is bad – it’s just some people don’t handle blunt well. So, I write.
Like many of you, my entire life can be broken into 500 word essays and separated into chapters. With my inaugural blog, Trucker in Training I got some great feedback. I think it went over well and I really enjoyed telling my tale as a trucker in training. Since I’ve had to put that chapter of my life on hold (to read the details, go HERE), I didn't want to stop writing - I’ve still got some stories to tell.
I will apologize in advance… because as I tell my story – just like Trucker in Training, I will have to go back and set the table so you can understand what is going on now. I am a complete product of my environment and every event in my life in some way correlates back to something that has previously happened. I promise - most of it is amusing. I can’t make this stuff up! I also want to warn you (again), that I curse a lot and I make up my own words. I use words to describe my thoughts and sometimes you just have to add fuck or shit in with what you’re saying to get the true point across. Fuck it, it is what it is.
Like many of you, my entire life can be broken into 500 word essays and separated into chapters. With my inaugural blog, Trucker in Training I got some great feedback. I think it went over well and I really enjoyed telling my tale as a trucker in training. Since I’ve had to put that chapter of my life on hold (to read the details, go HERE), I didn't want to stop writing - I’ve still got some stories to tell.
I will apologize in advance… because as I tell my story – just like Trucker in Training, I will have to go back and set the table so you can understand what is going on now. I am a complete product of my environment and every event in my life in some way correlates back to something that has previously happened. I promise - most of it is amusing. I can’t make this stuff up! I also want to warn you (again), that I curse a lot and I make up my own words. I use words to describe my thoughts and sometimes you just have to add fuck or shit in with what you’re saying to get the true point across. Fuck it, it is what it is.
You’ll want to subscribe because I could get a motivating period where I post 3 blogs in one day – and then I can sit idle for a bit before I post again. I can write on command (I’ve authored over 50 technical manuals) – but it’s much better when the spirit moves me. I look forward to your feedback as well!
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The name of my blog is (GTF outta) My Way! – life in my nutshell. Credit goes to Donna & Anne J
The name of my blog is (GTF outta) My Way! – life in my nutshell. Credit goes to Donna & Anne J
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